Networking Glossary

Introduction

This page explains some of the fundamental concepts, components and terminology associated with standard computer networks. These networks are often referred to as local area networks (LAN). This type of network is technically known as an Ethernet network.

Network

An Ethernet network consists of two or more devices effectively connected together as shown in the diagram.

Addressing

MAC Address

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique series of numbers assigned to network devices. They are generally assigned to a product as part of the manufacturing process. It is guaranteed that no two devices in the world will share the same MAC address.

IP Address

An IP address is a series of 4 numbers, each in the range 0 to 255, assigned to each device on the network. Each device needs a unique IP address to communicate with other devices on a network. Problems will occur if two devices on the same network have the same IP address. IP addresses are not unique in the world, only in a specific network. In the diagram below, devices 3 and 4 cannot communicate on the network because they have the same IP address. This is known as an IP address conflict.

Subnet Mask

A subnet mask is a series of 4 numbers, each in the range 0 to 255, assigned to each device on the network. It is used by a device as a filter, in conjunction with the IP address, to decide which other devices it should communicate with. Masks typically consist of a combination of the numbers 0 and 255. More advanced configurations may use other numbers but this is uncommon and will not be discussed here.

Each of the 4 numbers in the subnet mask is associated with one of the 4 number positions in the IP address. In any of the 4 number positions in the subnet mask, a 255 means an exact match is required in the corresponding positions in the IP addresses of both devices. A value of 0 means no match is required between the numbers in the corresponding positions in their IP addresses.

Example 1

In the diagram below, device 4 cannot communicate with any of the other devices. This is because their subnet masks (255.255.255.0) dictate that the first 3 numbers of their IP addresses must match exactly with the device they are communicating with. This condition is only true when devices 1, 2 or 3 are communicating with each other. It is not true when any of devices 1, 2 or 3 are trying to communicate with device 4 because the third number in its IP address does not match that of the other devices.

Example 2

In the diagram below, blue devices (1 & 2) cannot communicate with green devices (3 & 4). This is because their subnet masks (255.255.255.0) dictate that the first 3 numbers of their IP addresses must match. This condition is only true when devices 1 and 2 are communicating with each other, or devices 3 and 4 are communicating with each other.

Assignment

There are two ways to assign IP addresses and subnet masks to a device on the network, static assignment and dynamic assignment.

Static Assignment (Manual)

Static (fixed) assignment is when the IP address and subnet mask are both programmed manually into the device. This is normally done using a setup menu on the device. Some devices do not support static assignment.

Dynamic Assignment (Automatic)

Dynamic assignment is when the IP address and subnet mask are both assigned automatically, over the network. This is done using a mechanism called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). When setup for dynamic assignment, a device sends a DHCP request onto the network and then waits for a response specifying the IP address and subnet mask it should use. Devices normally send their request when first connected to the network or immediately after they are powered up.

DHCP Server

A DHCP server is a small configurable software component that responds to DHCP requests on the network. It keeps a record of the devices who sent requests. It ensures that every device is assigned a unique IP address and a common subnet mask. It is important that only one DHCP server exists on the network. Problems will occur if more than one is present since devices would then receive multiple responses to their DHCP requests. Typically, DHCP server functionality is integrated into the router device on the network.

Address Reservation

Address Reservation (dynamic fixed assignment) is a feature, supported by some DHCP servers. This use of this feature guarantees that a specific device will always be automatically assigned the same IP address. The advantage of this approach is that it harnesses the advantages of both static and dynamic assignment techniques.

Subnet

A subnet (subnetwork) is a subdivision of a larger network. Most networks are classed as subnets since they are typically connected to the internet and are thus a subdivision of that network. A subnet is defined by the range of IP addresses that are deemed valid on it's network.

Network Switch

A network switch, often just referred to as a switch, allows multiple network devices to be connected together in a star formation. Any device, attached to any of the switch ports, is effectively connected to all other devices connected to any of the other ports.

Switches come in different types, sizes and speeds. The most common type of switch is known as a "dumb" switch because it is not user configurable. A switch's size is defined by the number of network sockets, or ports, it has. The diagram below shows a four port switch.

A switch's speed defines the maximum rate that data can be transferred through each port simultaneously. This rate is specified in megabits per second (Mb/s). The actual speed of data transfer, through each port, is determined by the maximum speed of the slowest component in the data transmission path. This could be a device or the switch itself.

Router

A router is a device that manages the boundary between two networks or subnets.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

A WAP is device that provides wireless access to the network.

Combination Boxes

Router-Switch

Router-Switch-WAP

Appendix

Advantages/Disadvantages Of IP Assignment Methods

Static IP Advantages

• The IP address is reliable as it always remains the same.

Static IP Disadvantages

• There is a small time/labour overhead in manual configuration
• There is a potential for error such as address conflicts
• If the device is moved to another network it will probably need a new address
• Need to keep a record of all addresses on the network